History Main / RightMakesMight

* ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'''s Might Guy actually believes in this, but it's impact on the show is questionable, as his apprentice, Rock Lee, is forbidden from using his most powerful techniques except for when it's to protect a friend or loved one. Also questionable in the fact that [[TheWorfEffect Rock Lee loses a lot.]] In Naruto, there's one sure-fire way to win which even works for Lee. Promise someone important that you will win. Naturally, you can't break your promise, so you'll just have to win instead.

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* ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'''s Might Guy actually believes in this, but it's impact on the show is questionable, as his apprentice, Rock Lee, is forbidden from using his most powerful techniques except for when it's to protect a friend or loved one. Also questionable in the fact that [[TheWorfEffect Rock Lee loses a lot.]] In Naruto, there's one sure-fire way to win which even works for Lee. Promise someone important that you will win. Naturally, you can't break your promise, so you'll just have to win instead. Guy, however, plays it straight, never having lost one fight on-screen. Even his supposed failure to defeat [[PhysicalGod Madara]] counts as a victory as he stalled Madara long enough for Naruto to arrive, thus successfully protecting the people he cared about.

** Seen a ''lot'' during ''UsefulNotes/WorldWarII'': Both the axis led by UsefulNotes/NaziGermany and [[UsefulNotes/SovietRussiaUkraineAndSoOn The Soviet Union]] were busy commiting war crimes en masse, including but not limited to: starving/slave working/exterminating civilians, doing the same to prisoners of war, indiscriminate mass bombings, invading countries they couldn't get grips on because their populations fought fiercely to the last man if need be (violating Sun Tzu's advice up there, the most notable example being Finland repelling the Soviets) and generally being just despicable and incompetent (Stalin's purges bit him in the ass when no good Generals could do his war in the beginning, the same happened to Hitler near the end). The final nail in the coffin was dragging the United States into the war, who after [[UsefulNotes/WorldWarI the last war]] intended to not get involved, but the axis attacked them anyway, thus rousing a sleeping giant. You know what happened next.

* The source of the powers wielded by the [[AmazonBrigade Sisters]] [[ChurchMilitant of]] [[KillItWithFire Battle]] in the ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}}'' universe is never explained. All the other races' powers, whether they see them as religious, arcane or psychic in origin, actually ultimately derive from [[HyperspaceIsAScaryPlace the Warp]], which is anathema to the Sisters' religion. They're either unknowing {{hypocrite}}s, or get their power from another source altogether. The official explanation is that their belief in the Emperor, of whom they are officially his wives (since they're nuns and nuns are married to their God etc), is so strong it actually reaches him on Terra and makes him send miracles to aid them in battle. Considering how they are just about the only army whose "magic" looks divine and positive rather than base, bestial or even outright vile, if still clearly KnightTemplar, maybe they do have a point.

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* The source of the powers wielded by the [[AmazonBrigade Sisters]] [[ChurchMilitant of]] [[KillItWithFire Battle]] in the ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}}'' universe is never explained. All the other races' powers, whether they see them as religious, arcane or psychic in origin, actually ultimately derive from [[HyperspaceIsAScaryPlace the Warp]], which is anathema to the Sisters' religion. They're either unknowing {{hypocrite}}s, or get their power from another source altogether. The official explanation is that their belief in the Emperor, of whom they are officially his wives (since they're nuns and nuns are married to their God etc), is so strong it actually reaches him on Terra and makes him send miracles to aid them in battle. Considering how they are just about the only army whose "magic" looks divine and positive rather than base, base (other Imperial forces, Eldar), bestial (Orks) or even outright vile, vile (Chaos, Tyranids), if still clearly KnightTemplar, maybe they do have a point.

* The source of the powers wielded by the [[AmazonBrigade Sisters]] [[ChurchMilitant of]] [[KillItWithFire Battle]] in the ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}}'' universe is never explained. All the other races' powers, whether they see them as religious, arcane or psychic in origin, actually ultimately derive from [[HyperspaceIsAScaryPlace the Warp]], which is anathema to the Sisters' religion. They're either unknowing {{hypocrite}}s, or get their power from another source altogether.

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* The source of the powers wielded by the [[AmazonBrigade Sisters]] [[ChurchMilitant of]] [[KillItWithFire Battle]] in the ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}}'' universe is never explained. All the other races' powers, whether they see them as religious, arcane or psychic in origin, actually ultimately derive from [[HyperspaceIsAScaryPlace the Warp]], which is anathema to the Sisters' religion. They're either unknowing {{hypocrite}}s, or get their power from another source altogether. The official explanation is that their belief in the Emperor, of whom they are officially his wives (since they're nuns and nuns are married to their God etc), is so strong it actually reaches him on Terra and makes him send miracles to aid them in battle. Considering how they are just about the only army whose "magic" looks divine and positive rather than base, bestial or even outright vile, if still clearly KnightTemplar, maybe they do have a point.

* A lot of war crimes are just plain stupidity. Abuse the civilian population and you just lost yourself a lot of potential informants on the guerilla activity in the area. Abuse [=POWs=] and opposing soldiers will fight to the death instead of surrendering. If you employ WithUsOrAgainstUs to its logical conclusion, a lot of people who would have remained on the sidelines otherwise ''will'' turn on you.

* [[SympatheticInspectorAntagonist L]] of ''Manga/DeathNote'' seems to believe this, with lines like, "JusticeWillPrevail!" and, "Let's show him that the good guys always win." {{Light|IsNotGood}}, on the other hand, believes the opposite - making this one interesting aspect of their clash of ideals.-->'''Light''': If we catch Kira, he is evil. [[MightMakesRight If he succeeds, he is justice]].** Of course, in the end, [[spoiler: either of them could be right. L's side wins, as he predicted, and the world sees Kira as evil, as Light predicted]]. * In ''Anime/DevilMayCryTheAnimatedSeries'', the low level demon grunt Sid manages a ritual to grant him the power of the demon lord Abigail. Though he curb-stomps Dante the first time they fight, Dante defeats him in a rematch. When Sid asks how he could have possibly been defeated, Dante claims a rotten soul like Sid's can never truly defeat a virtuous soul, no matter how much power he gets.* Used all the way to {{dea|dHorseTrope}}th in ''Anime/DigimonAdventure'' and ''Anime/DigimonAdventure02''. The Chosen Children "wielded" various virtues (yes, as in Wielder of Courage, Wielder of Friendship, Wielder of Purity, etc.). Their {{Mon}}s got bigger when the kids developed positive character traits. This is a fairly blatant example.** One episode of the ''fifth'' season is named "Justice Equals Power," which is the trope name slightly rephrased. Though ironically in that case it was one of the ''villains'' who believed this, Duftmon of the [[WellIntentionedExtremist Royal Knights]]. Suffice to say, his belief didn't stop the heroes from smashing him via an EleventhHourSuperPower.

* ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'''s Might Guy actually believes in this, but it's impact on the show is questionable, as his apprentice, Rock Lee, is forbidden from using his most powerful techniques except for when it's to protect a friend or loved one. Also questionable in the fact that [[TheWorfEffect Rock Lee loses a lot.]] In Naruto, there's one sure-fire way to win which even works for Lee. Promise someone important that you will win. Naturally, you can't break your promise, so you'll just have to win instead.* Discussed several times in ''Manga/MedakaBox'', in the sense of deconstructing it. "I will lose because I was weak, not because I was wrong" is used by both heroes and villains at various points in the series, and [[BornWinner Born Loser]] Kumagawa has variations of "I am not wrong" as one of his {{Catch Phrase}}s.* By the author's own admission, all of ''Manga/OnePiece'' is built on this idea. In fact, breaking someone's dreams is so traumatic that the author cites it as the reason characters don't kill their foes. To little surprise, the author was an assistant on ''Rurouni Kenshin'' before starting ''One Piece''.

* By the author's own admission, all of ''OnePiece'' is built on this idea. In fact, breaking someone's dreams is so traumatic that the author cites it as the reason characters don't kill their foes. To little surprise, the author was an assistant on ''Rurouni Kenshin'' before starting ''One Piece''.* In ''Anime/YuGiOh'' the outcome of a card duel is decided by who has stronger convictions, rather than by random chance. They call it "The Heart of the Cards". Yugi (or Yami) always pull out the card they need to reverse the otherwise impossible situation.* ''{{Naruto}}'''s Might Guy actually believes in this, but it's impact on the show is questionable, as his apprentice, Rock Lee, is forbidden from using his most powerful techniques except for when it's to protect a friend or loved one. Also questionable in the fact that [[TheWorfEffect Rock Lee loses a lot.]] In Naruto, there's one sure-fire way to win which even works for Lee. Promise someone important that you will win. Naturally, you can't break your promise, so you'll just have to win instead.

* ''Manga/SgtFrog'': Generally FailureIsTheOnlyOption for the Keronians when they try to take over the world, but when they turn around and try to defend it from far worse threats, they seem to become [[LetsGetDangerous noticeably tougher]].

* Used all the way to {{dea|dHorseTrope}}th in ''Anime/DigimonAdventure'' and ''Anime/DigimonAdventure02''. The Chosen Children "wielded" various virtues (yes, as in Wielder of Courage, Wielder of Friendship, Wielder of Purity, etc.). Their {{Mon}}s got bigger when the kids developed positive character traits. This is a fairly blatant example.** One episode of the ''fifth'' season is named "Justice Equals Power," which is the trope name slightly rephrased. Though ironically in that case it was one of the ''villains'' who believed this, Duftmon of the [[WellIntentionedExtremist Royal Knights]]. Suffice to say, his belief didn't stop the heroes from smashing him via an EleventhHourSuperPower.

* Discussed several times in ''Manga/MedakaBox'', in the sense of deconstructing it. "I will lose because I was weak, not because I was wrong" is used by both heroes and villains at various points in the series, and [[BornWinner Born Loser]] Kumagawa has variations of "I am not wrong" as one of his {{Catch Phrase}}s.* [[SympatheticInspectorAntagonist L]] of ''Manga/DeathNote'' seems to believe this, with lines like, "JusticeWillPrevail!" and, "Let's show him that the good guys always win." {{Light|IsNotGood}}, on the other hand, believes the opposite - making this one interesting aspect of their clash of ideals.-->'''Light''': If we catch Kira, he is evil. [[MightMakesRight If he succeeds, he is justice]].** Of course, in the end, [[spoiler: either of them could be right. L's side wins, as he predicted, and the world sees Kira as evil, as Light predicted]]. * ''Manga/SgtFrog'': Generally FailureIsTheOnlyOption for the Keronians when they try to take over the world, but when they turn around and try to defend it from far worse threats, they seem to become [[LetsGetDangerous noticeably tougher]].* In ''Anime/DevilMayCryTheAnimatedSeries'', the low level demon grunt Sid manages a ritual to grant him the power of the demon lord Abigail. Though he curb-stomps Dante the first time they fight, Dante defeats him in a rematch. When Sid asks how he could have possibly been defeated, Dante claims a rotten soul like Sid's can never truly defeat a virtuous soul, no matter how much power he gets.

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* Discussed several times in ''Manga/MedakaBox'', in In ''Anime/YuGiOh'' the sense outcome of deconstructing it. "I will lose because I was weak, not because I was wrong" a card duel is used decided by both heroes and villains at various points in who has stronger convictions, rather than by random chance. They call it "The Heart of the series, and [[BornWinner Born Loser]] Kumagawa has variations of "I am not wrong" as one of his {{Catch Phrase}}s.* [[SympatheticInspectorAntagonist L]] of ''Manga/DeathNote'' seems to believe this, with lines like, "JusticeWillPrevail!" and, "Let's show him that the good guys Cards". Yugi (or Yami) always win." {{Light|IsNotGood}}, on pull out the other hand, believes the opposite - making this one interesting aspect of their clash of ideals.-->'''Light''': If we catch Kira, he is evil. [[MightMakesRight If he succeeds, he is justice]].** Of course, in the end, [[spoiler: either of them could be right. L's side wins, as he predicted, and the world sees Kira as evil, as Light predicted]]. * ''Manga/SgtFrog'': Generally FailureIsTheOnlyOption for the Keronians when card they try need to take over reverse the world, but when they turn around and try to defend it from far worse threats, they seem to become [[LetsGetDangerous noticeably tougher]].* In ''Anime/DevilMayCryTheAnimatedSeries'', the low level demon grunt Sid manages a ritual to grant him the power of the demon lord Abigail. Though he curb-stomps Dante the first time they fight, Dante defeats him in a rematch. When Sid asks how he could have possibly been defeated, Dante claims a rotten soul like Sid's can never truly defeat a virtuous soul, no matter how much power he gets.otherwise impossible situation.

* Superman justifies this trope to his evil opposite Ultraman. Superman fights his opponents over and over again. Ultraman kills them and thus has less fighting experience against challenging opponents.

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* Superman Franchise/{{Superman}} justifies this trope to his evil opposite Ultraman. Superman fights his opponents over and over again. Ultraman kills them and thus has less fighting experience against challenging opponents.

* The fantasy-medieval-Europe civilization of ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'' has the "trial by combat" legend too. Most of the characters are too cynical to believe in it, but they're willing to play along with superstition when it's useful. Most 'trial by combat' so far has had "accurate" results, however, [[spoiler:when Tyrion is on trial for killing [[TheCaligula King Joffrey, his sociopathic nephew]], his champion faces off against the prosecution's champion, the {{card carrying villain}} Gregor Clegane. Clegane dies the slow, KarmicDeath of a poisoned spear â€“ but manages to bludgeon Tyrion's champion before dying, sentencing an innocent man to death]].

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* The fantasy-medieval-Europe civilization of ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'' has the "trial by combat" legend too. Most of the characters are too cynical to believe in it, but they're willing to play along with superstition when it's useful. Most 'trial by combat' so far has had "accurate" results, however, [[spoiler:when Tyrion is on trial for killing [[TheCaligula King Joffrey, his sociopathic nephew]], his champion faces off against the prosecution's champion, the {{card carrying villain}} Gregor Clegane. Clegane dies the slow, KarmicDeath of a poisoned spear â€“ -- but manages to bludgeon Tyrion's champion before dying, sentencing an innocent man to death]].

* In ''Anime/DevilMayCryTheAnimatedSeries'', the low level demon grunt Sid manages a ritual to grant him the power of the demon lord Abigail. Though he curb-stomps Dante the first time they fight, Dante defeats him in a rematch. When Sid asks how he could have possibly been defeated, Dante claims a rotten soul like Sid's can never truly defeat a virtuous soul, no matter how much power he gets.

** In the fourth game, [[BigBad Sanctus]] demands to know why he's losing even though he's wielding the Sword of Sparda and has gained Sparda's power. Nero explains it's because he lacks Sparda's compassion and ability to love.

* In ''VideoGame/{{DmC Devil May Cry}}'', Dante is UnskilledButStrong while Vergil is about as strong, yet also has superior skill. That said, [[spoiler: during their duel, as Dante's ChaoticGood trumps Vergil's mix of LawfulNeutral and LawfulEvil, Dante wins anyways]].

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* In ''VideoGame/{{DmC Devil May Cry}}'', Dante is UnskilledButStrong while Vergil is about as strong, yet also has superior skill. That said, [[spoiler: during their duel, as Dante's ChaoticGood trumps Vergil's mix of LawfulNeutral and LawfulEvil, Dante wins anyways]].anyway]].

* The ''Teeth of Naros'' expansion of ''VideoGame/KingdomsOfAmalurReckoning'' takes this literally. The Kollossae are a [[FantasyCounterpartCulture Grecian-styled]] race, complete with a forum for philosophical debates. The format of these debates, however, is a bit different than our usual definition: one debater poses a question, both participants offer an answer, then they fight. Whoever wins was obviously empowered by the gods, thus his answer must be the correct one. Amusingly, one of the debate topics is "Does might make right?" You can agree, reply with this trope, or assert that power and morality are unrelated... and then proceed to beat your opponent senseless.

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